Fantasy Draft Guide: RB Tiers and Evals

Comprehensive Fantasy Rankings for the RB Position

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One Week Season
August 28, 2025

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Draft Guide: RB Tiers and Evals

By: Mike Johnson (X: @mjohnson_86 -- Discord: @MJohnson86)
Tier 1-A RBs – "Game Changer”

These running backs have elite, three-down skill sets and offenses that should be built around them. They are essentially “game script-proof”.

  • Bijan Robinson, ATL

    • My personal pick to finish as the top RB this season. Bijan is an elite talent with an improved offense around him.

  • Jahmyr Gibbs, DET

    • Gibbs is worthy of a first-round pick even when sharing the workload with David Montgomery. If/when Gibbs is given a workhorse role, he is probably the most valuable player in all of fantasy football.

  • Saquon Barkley, PHI

    • Barkley is coming off a massive 2024 season and still has a terrific supporting cast and offensive environment. The issue is Barkley had 482 touches last year, including the playoffs, and seems likely for regression, as those kinds of totals usually catch up to players through injury or efficiency.

Tier 1-B RBs – "Game-Changer”

These running backs have elite, three-down skill sets and offenses that should be built around them. They are essentially “game script-proof”, though not quite on the level of the Tier 1a running backs.

  • Christian McCaffrey, SF

    • CMC looks to bounce back as the 49ers try to hold things together for one more run at things. After an injury-marred 2024, CMC is healthy and looking explosive this summer. His body may actually be in better shape now since he didn’t take many hits last year.

  • Ashton Jeanty, LV

    • The hype is real. He will be given a massive workload immediately in Las Vegas and has the talent to make the most of it.

  • De’Von Achane, MIA

    • Achane had historical efficiency in 2023 and very high usage in 2024. If he can keep something close to last year’s usage/role while regaining some explosive plays and efficiency, he has a clear path to be a top-three RB in 2025.

  • Chase Brown, CIN

    • Bengals defense seems like it will be a mess and Brown’s explosive skill set and receiving prowess sets him up for one of the most valuable roles in all of fantasy as the Bengals’ clear RB1.

Tier 2 RBs – “Knocking at the Door”

This group of running backs has the ability to keep up with those listed above them, but have small concerns or limitations to their situations that keep them ranked slightly below. This group is also far “safer” than the next tier of running backs, as they are clearly the best backfield options for each of their teams.

  • Bucky Irving, TB

    • Irving took over the feature back role for the Bucs in 2024 by outplaying Rachaad White and now enters his sophomore season ready to expand his game, plus he’s being featured in the passing game this preseason.

  • Derrick Henry, BAL

    • A match made in heaven, Henry’s bruising style complemented Lamar Jackson perfectly in his first year in Baltimore. A lack of passing game involvement, age, and potential injury regression keep Henry from the top tier.

  • Jonathan Taylor, IND

    • Everyone will remember JT’s dynamic finish to 2024, but the first 15 weeks left a lot to be desired. This will probably be the worst offensive line he has played behind, while the quarterback play may be shaky and there are more weapons around him than in past years. Still a player who will likely have two or three massive games at some point, given his explosive ability.

  • Kyren Williams, LAR

    • The bottom line is that the Rams trust him, just paid him, and are going to feed him the rock as long as he can stay healthy. Feature back in a good offense, don’t overthink it.

  • Josh Jacobs, GB

    • The Packers want to ride Jacobs and he is built for it. Their backup running backs continue to deal with inconsistency and injuries, furthering the chance Jacobs can continue his consistent high-end production from the second half of 2024.

  • Omarion Hampton, LAC

    • The Najee Harris eye injury opens the door for the 22nd overall pick in the NFL Draft to have a massive role from Day 1 in what should be a good offense. 

Tier 3 RBs

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